Spoiler alert: sunburns, soggy nachos, and jet engines at 130 decibels are not for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re a seasoned aviation junkie or it’s your first time feeling the rumble of an A‑10 Warthog overhead, airshows are full-sensory experiences. The smell of jet fuel. The sound of freedom. The merch booths with 47 different “Remove Before Flight” keychains. But the real pros? They show up prepared.
Here’s your no-nonsense, pilot-approved checklist to make the most of your day on the tarmac — without looking like you just got air-dropped in from a tourist bus.
What to Bring (or Regret Later)
✦ Sunscreen That Doesn’t Suck
That cute misting spray? Useless at 98° and full sun. Bring the heavy-duty SPF 50+ lotion. Your ears, neck, and nose will thank you.
✦ Refillable Water Bottle
$8 lemonade? Hard pass. Most airshows have refill stations. Be the hydration hero.
✦ Folding Chair or Stadium Seat
Because sitting on hot concrete while trying to balance a $14 funnel cake is a rookie move.
✦ Binoculars
Yes, the jets fly low — but sometimes the most interesting stuff (parachute jumps, tank demos, formation landings) happen across the field.
✦ Ear Protection (Especially for Kids)
Jet engines don’t whisper. Foam earplugs will do, but over-ear protection is best for little ones.
✦ Baby Wipes
You will touch something sticky. Trust us.
✦ Zip Bag with Cash + ID
Some booths still run like it’s 1987. Plan accordingly.
✦ Jet Fighter Jewelry (Optional but Encouraged)
Because what better place to flex that B‑2 Bomber necklace than under the actual flight path?
What to Wear (aka Fashion Meets Function)
✦ Aviation Swag That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
Leave the full flight suit cosplay to the kids. A well-loved squadron tee, aviator shades, and a subtle F‑22 necklace? Now we’re talking.
✦ Closed-Toe Shoes
Your feet will cover more ground than a C‑130 on a humanitarian drop. Choose comfort over cute.
✦ Breathable Layers
It may start at 68° and end at 98°, or vice versa. Think lightweight jacket, cooling towel, or even a tactical boonie hat if you're committed.
✦ Backpack or Crossbody Bag
Go hands-free. You’ll need both hands for snacks and waving at pilots doing flybys.
✦ Minimal Metal Jewelry
Sterling silver = yes. Heavy chains = no. Our jet silhouette pieces are lightweight, sweat-friendly, and basically born for tarmac flexing.
What Not to Do
✦ Don’t Underestimate the Sun
The tarmac reflects heat like a fighter jet reflects radar: not at all. Bring shade or become bacon.
✦ Don’t Arrive Late
You’ll miss the good parking, the golden hour light, and possibly the jet team warmups. Rookie mistake.
✦ Don’t Forget to Tag Where You Parked
That sea of minivans and pickup trucks will look real familiar after 6 hours in the sun. Drop a pin, snap a pic, or leave a trail of Goldfish crackers before heading toward the flight line. Your future self will thank you.
✦ Don’t Assume You’ll Have Cell Service
Between the crowd and the location, reception can get dicey. Screenshot the schedule before you go.
✦ Don’t Be That Person at the Ropes
Respect the barriers. The pilots and crew deserve space — and you don’t want to get tackled by a 90-year-old airshow volunteer named Earl.
What to Do Instead
✦ Wear something meaningful
Whether it’s your grandpa’s old dog tag or a tiny sterling SR‑71 silhouette, aviation is about legacy.
✦ Teach the next gen
Airshows are the gateway drug for future aviators. Let the kids ask questions, climb on display planes, and meet the crew.
✦ Snap the photos, but stay present
The roar of a jet overhead isn’t the same through a screen.
✦ End the day with ice cream
This is an unwritten aviation tradition. Don’t question it.
Ready for Takeoff?
We’d love to see how you show up for the show. Tag us on Instagram @JetFighterJewelry with your best airshow look. Bonus points if you’re wearing one of our jet silhouettes while pointing dramatically at a flyover.
Because honestly, if you didn’t get jet noise in your chest cavity and a sunburn on your left ear… did you even go to the airshow?